terrible children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible children" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe children who exhibit very poor behavior or are difficult to manage. Example: "The teacher sighed as she dealt with the terrible children in her classroom, who refused to listen and caused chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

One bit was about how terrible children are, how they're "tiny little Hitlers".

The New Yorker

("That's terrible, children shouldn't be making clothes. Unless it's in a factory somewhere").

The New York Times

The howlingly terrible Children is Bieber's misplaced Michael Jackson-style bid to hurt for the world over some generic Calvin Harris-style club beat.

The Guardian - Music

Susan Burrowes is a presenter, teacher, trainer and project manager who holds a Master's Degree in Communication, but took enough time out of her studies to produce the two extraordinary, challenging, wonderful, terrible children who continue to define her life.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So I was a terrible child and causing trouble at school all the time.

The New York Times

"Milan was, is, and will always be the center of design," said Philippe Starck, the French designer and terrible child, at a press breakfast with his new wife.

The New York Times

But when a terrible child death becomes the focus of media scandal there is the danger that what has been learned is forgotten, what has been built is undermined, and what should be treasured is discarded.

The Guardian

So he's a terrible child abuser.

Vice

Children in conflict A representation of the terrible circumstances children face is a photograph by George Rodger.

Unicef

Sendak also criticised Disney, saying it was "terrible" for children.

The Guardian - Books

Having lousy teachers is terrible for children and their future prospects.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terrible children", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to their behavior, circumstances, or both. Nuance is key to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible children" as a blanket statement. Instead, specify what makes their behavior or situation "terrible". This adds clarity and avoids unfairly labeling an entire group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible children" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, where "terrible" modifies the noun "children". Ludwig AI provides examples where it describes children's behavior or their unfortunate circumstances. The word "terrible" serves to emphasize the negative or undesirable aspect associated with the children.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrible children" is a grammatically sound descriptive phrase used to convey negative sentiments about the behavior or circumstances of children. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across various contexts, particularly in news and formal business settings. While semantically valid, it's advisable to consider the context and audience when employing this phrase, as less harsh alternatives such as "difficult children" or "misbehaving children" may sometimes be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Awful children

Replaces "terrible" with a synonym, indicating a similar degree of negativity or unpleasantness.

Horrible children

Substitutes "terrible" with a different, yet similar, adjective expressing negativity.

Dreadful children

Uses another synonym for "terrible", implying a sense of fear or dismay.

Ghastly children

Employs "ghastly" instead of "terrible", suggesting something extremely unpleasant or shocking.

Naughty children

Offers a milder term, focusing on misbehavior rather than inherent awfulness.

Misbehaving children

Directly describes the children's actions rather than their inherent qualities.

Difficult children

Highlights the challenges associated with managing or raising these children.

Problem children

Focuses on the issues or difficulties the children present.

Troublesome children

Emphasizes the trouble or difficulty caused by the children.

Challenging children

Presents a more neutral perspective, acknowledging the difficulties but framing them as challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "terrible children" in a sentence?

You can use "terrible children" to describe kids who behave badly or face very difficult situations. For example: "The teacher struggled to manage the terrible children in her class" or "The war has had a devastating impact on these terrible children".

What is a less harsh way to describe "terrible children"?

Consider using terms like "misbehaving children", "difficult children", or "challenging children" to soften the negative connotation.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "terrible children"?

While grammatically correct, using "terrible children" can be quite harsh. It's important to consider the context and your audience. Often, more specific or empathetic language is preferable.

What's the difference between "terrible children" and "terrible child"?

"Terrible children" refers to a group of children, while "terrible child" refers to a single child. The plural form broadens the scope of the description.